The tools of the Stó:lō people have been studied extensively by archaeologists from all over the world. Some of the earliest stone tools, called cobble choppers, date back to 9,000 years ago and were found at the site of Xa:ytem.
Stone tools had a variety of uses, and were essential in the daily activities of the Stó:lō people. Stone tools were used for the preparation of food (for example, salmon and deer), for the harvesting of plants for food and medicinal purposes, in building longhouses and pithouses for housing, for the production of canoes, and for creating art work.